In September 2017, Police and Trading Standards Officers seized in excess of 14,000 illegal cigarettes and 380 grams of tobacco from the Polski Sklep N1 store in West Bromwich. The items, with a retail value of approximately £7,000, were disguised in a false electrical fuse box hidden in a storeroom. The store also sold packets of 20 cigarettes for £3 instead of the standard retail price of £10.

Trading Standards Officers requested that the Sandwell Council Licensing Committee (the Committee) suspend the shop’s licence for three months. The Committee instead revoked its licence to sell beer, wine, and spirits on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.

This case is a reminder of the severe consequences of selling illegals goods and the need to comply with trading standards requirements.